Study explores role of fasting diet in diabetes

People with diabetes and cardiovascular disease could benefit from trying intermittent fasting, a new review suggests.

Scientists at Aston University looked at the advantages and limitations of this dietary approach, which involves fasting on consecutive or alternate days.

They observed that intermittent fasting has been shown to be at least as effective for weight loss as counting calories every day.

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Furthermore, clinical trials have shown that fasting may have a beneficial effect on inflammation, blood sugar and fat levels and blood pressure.

And tests on animals suggest that intermittent fasting may improve heart rate and lower cholesterol.

Lead author Dr James Brown, whose findings are published in the British Journal of Diabetes and Vascular Disease, said: 'Intermittent fasting might achieve much of the benefit seen with bariatric surgery, but without the costs, restriction on numbers and risks associated with surgery.'

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He added that the possibility that intermittent fasting may help to prevent diabetes is a 'tantalising notion'.

Victoria Taylor, senior dietician at the British Heart Foundation, advised anyone who is considering fasting to 'think carefully about how it might affect your normal activities and lifestyle'.

She added that getting the right balance of food groups and nutrients is 'vital'.

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